Daily Brief: Sunday, July 5, 2026

St. Louis news worth your time today — curated by PubDef, with receipts from the archive. Click through for the full stories.

Patriotism without truth is propaganda 

I have never been much for flag-waving patriotism. I respect the rituals, and I understand why they move some people. But my own relationship with patriotism has always been complicated, even chilly.… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Political Briefs” (Nov 2006)

‘I got so much love for the 314’

ATL rap veteran Ludacris demonstrated his special relationship with St. Louis when he took the stage under the Arch as part of the entertainment lineup for Celebrate 250 Friday night. He was among… — St. Louis American

Clayco invests in men’s mental health 

A $20,000 investment from the Clayco Foundation will allow Affinia Healthcare to continue and expand a program designed to encourage men to talk openly about their mental health. The grant, awarded… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Clay, Clyburn Raise $100K for DCCC” (Nov 2007)

The promise of freedom remains unfulfilled

As America marks 250 years, the Fourth of July arrives with a heavy asterisk. In 1776, while fireworks celebrated liberty, Black ancestors remained shackled. For us, Independence Day isn’t a… — St. Louis American

Hardin-Tammons elected chief judge

Judge Renée D. Hardin-Tammons has been elected chief judge of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, by unanimous vote. Her one-year term began July 1. The office hears appeals from trial… — St. Louis American

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